1. National Panel Briefings for External Authenticators
ETBI
National Panel Briefings for External Authenticators
2019

2. Who are we?
ETBI
Education and Training Boards Ireland is the national representative association for Ireland’s sixteen Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
On behalf of the sector an ETBI project was commissioned to research and review current approaches to external authentication within the sector. The project aimed to identify and recommend the necessary elements of a new ETB sectoral model and approach to external authentication, which would enhance consistency in the sector in quality assuring programme standards and learner achievement.
FESS
Further Education Support Service are the Support partner leading both the Training Events and Briefing Content

3. Why are you here tonight…….
To Discuss what the National Panel will be
To discuss what an External Authenticator is
&
the requirements for the Role
To begin the Formation of an External Authentication National Panel

4. External Authentication
External Authentication is an integral part of the assessment process for all awards certified by QQI — Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
“The role of the external authenticator is to provide independent confirmation of fair and consistent assessment of learners in line with QQI requirements and to ensure consistency of assessment results with national standards”
Quality Assuring Assessment, Guidelines for Providers, Revised 2013 (Version 2 - revised 2018*)
External Authenticators confirm that a provider has adhered to the national standards, processes and procedures as per their quality standards agreement with QQI.

5. To be discussed a little Later at the briefing
External Authenticator training – what might it involve?
Overview of:
National Framework of Qualifications
QQI awards
FET programmes
The role of the external authenticator
The external authentication process
(Quality Assuring Assessment)

6. Who is the External Authenticator?
QQI Criteria for selection of an external authenticator Quality Assuring Assessment, Guidelines for Providers, Revised 2013 (Version 2 - revised 2018*)
have technical/subject matter expertise within the appropriate award area/field of learning
have experience of delivering programme assessment or work in the industry/field
agree to undertake appropriate training and attend appropriate briefings
have the qualities necessary to interact with learners, assessors and senior staff members i.e. communication skills
have administrative and IT skills e.g. report writing, time-management skills
…..

7. The National Panel Why? ETBs assign External Authenticators from:
QQI national panel – no longer supported
Former FÁS panel – which transitioned to the ETBs.
ETB established regional and local panels
National Panel will be accessible to all 16 ETBs
National structured approach to training and professional development
National tools and mechanisms to facilitate the establishment of a professional Community of Practice

8. The National Panel How? Attend briefing
Apply through online application form – registration at Briefing will trigger automatic of link to online application within 48 hrs.
Only those registered and in attendance at the Briefing will have access to application form
Closing date on application form Friday 22nd February
Shortlisting for Training & Panel – QQI Criteria for selection
Information provided by you (prospective EAs) will be shared with the providers who have permission to access the External Authenticator National Panel 16 ETBs
Training – initially based on identified Gaps in sector and on a lottery basis there after until all have been trained
Training content and delivery mode to be based on application details received – existing EA, New EA, Recent Training…
Briefings will happen again – when and where TBC
Duration 3 yrs. initially

9. The National Panel Phase 2
Mechanism for maintaining Panel – new call for applications, updating existing EAs details
Ongoing Professional Development, training Supports
Support (advising EAs) formation of Panel of Advising
Review of membership of the panel

10. The National Panel – To Consider
Remuneration – by agreement with provider (DES guidelines)
Currently External Authenticators are operating to different payment rates due to legacy panels and agreements. A position Paper is currently with the Department of Education and Skills to agree one rate. Once this is determined it will be communicated to the providers and the Panel Members.
Release arrangements – will need to be confirmed with your employer

11. What next?
If you are not available to attend the training we will keep your name on file and invite you to another training date once available
If you are interested complete the application form and return by February 22nd 2019